Wella Trend Vision Winner 2008

Monday, 25th August, 2008

Wella Trend Vision Winner 2008

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New Zealand Hairdressing Olympics

To be named a Visionary in an industry bursting with creative talent is something to be proud of. To be crowned the Master among them is something worth writing home about. And that’s exactly what Jason Chong Li and Stephanie Hosking will be doing after taking out the top spots at the Wella Trend Vision Awards in Auckland last night.

Becoming one of the 10 finalists in the Wella Trend Vision awards requires attention to detail, creativity, vision, and mountains of talent. Competing against the crème de la crème of New Zealand stylists, the challenge was to interpret one of four International stand-out Wella trends, Couture Allure, Fashion Lyrics, Mineral Splendour or Wonderland, and create an editorial quality photographic entry.

The competition was divided into two sections – Young Visionary for competitors aged under 30 and Master Visionary, for competitors over 30 – with each division awarding Gold, Silver and Bronze placings.

Taking out Gold for Young Visionary Award

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Competitors for the Young Visionary category were required to re-create their look at the Wella Studios yesterday and then present it to the panel of judges and industry crowd at last night’s event. Skilfully crafting his take on the ‘Fashion Lyrics’ trend, Jason Chong Li from Stephen Marr was speechless when named the Young Visionary winner. “I’m still in shock!”

Fashion Editor Fiona Hawtin commented “Everything had been so well thought out, it was the total package. The detail was exceptional. It breathed creativity. The fashion was the strongest across both categories. A well placed bow tie, the silver gloves and metallic silver tights against the industrial background, it just all worked. “

“All the work represented here tonight was incredibly beautiful. Jason’s look particularly stood out because it encompassed everything that we were looking for and more” said Hair Judge Cathy Davys.

His winning style will take him all the way to Lisbon, Portugal in November to compete in the International Trend Vision Award final against 72 other countries working live in front of 3500 people. A once in a life-time opportunity to work on Milan Fashion Week in 2009 is also up for grabs.

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Judged on the total look, the finalists had to show an understanding of the chosen trend; innovation and skill in hair colour work and styling; and mastery in fashion, accessorizing and staging.

For her first ever solo photo-shoot, Stephanie wasn’t expecting to win. “I was just so excited to be a finalist! When third place was announced I thought ok, second place, I thought no way, and when they announced me as the winner I was just so surprised. I still can’t believe it!”

“With the hair being strong, the makeup was pared back. It didn’t compete but complimented the overall picture” said M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist, Amber Dreadon.

“Choice of model is integral” said Nova model agency Caroline Barron. “The finalists all displayed great selection and posing of the models to accentuate the hairstyles.”

With a stint in steel construction in Scandinavia behind her inspiration, Stephanie’s “Factory Lyrics” creation has won her tickets to hotspot London.

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ENDS

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